D.O. Parker

D.O. Parker, age 85, of Waterville, passed away Friday, June 26, 2020, at Community Memorial Health Care in Marysville.

D.O. was born October 1, 1934, at Barnes, to Tracy L. and Teckla E. (Seawall) Parker. 

He graduated from Barnes High School in 1952. After high school he joined the Kansas Army National Guard. 

On June 3, 1956, he married Delores A. Behrens at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, south of Barnes.

D.O. was known as a hardworking farmer and stockman. He started custom harvesting with his dad at age 16 and continued until 1964.  He sold Dekalb seed all of his working life and enjoyed visiting with his customers and getting to know many people through the business. Both the Custom Harvesting and the Seed Sales businesses continue with his children to this day. He enjoyed farming, his cattle and old tractors. 

He loved his family and was devoted to them. He especially enjoyed going to his son’s and grandchildren’s activities and sporting events. He always stopped whatever he was doing, even if it was the middle of harvest or planting season to attend their ball games. Kansas State football games, and especially tailgating at the games, were a great source of enjoyment for D.O. and their entire family. However, likely his favorite pastime was the weekly Sunday supper at the Linn Legion with family and friends.

D.O. was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Waterville. He was also a member of the Waterville Lions Club and the Waterville Rural Fire Department and served on the Boards of the Waterville Farmer’s CO-OP and Marshall County Farm Bureau.

Survivors include his wife Delores, his four sons: Mike Parker of Waterville, Alan (Cindy) Parker of Manhattan, Todd (Tammy) Parker of Waterville and Chad (Amanda) Parker of Waterville, eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

Preceding D.O. in death were his parents and a foster brother Fred Johnson.

Viewing is from noon to 8:00 pm, Monday, at Terry-Christie Funeral Home in Waterville.  Funeral services are at 10:00 am, Tuesday, June 30, 2020, at the Cenotaph in Riverside Cemetery with Sister Mary Arie officiating. (Please practice social distancing and feel free to bring a lawn chair.) Music will be provided by soloist Kim Oatney and accompanied by Beverly Hedke. Casket Bearers include Mike Parker, Alan Parker, Todd Parker and Chad Parker. Honorary Bearers are his grandchildren. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to either: St. Mark Lutheran Church or the Valley Heights FFA and may be sent in care of Terry-Christie Funeral Home at PO Box 61, Waterville, Kansas 66548.